Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Acts 9:36-43
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 13:14, 43-52

Psalm 23
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 100:1-5

Revelation 7:9-17
Roman Catholic reading: Revelation 7:9, 14-17

John 10:22-30
Roman Catholic reading: John 10:27-30

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
  • ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
  • Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Resurrection
    • Good Shepherd
    • Healing
    • Sheep/Shepherds
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Resurrection
    • Rebirth/New Life
    • Feeding/Eucharist
    • Good Shepherd
    • Difficulty Recognizing Evil
    • Satan
    • Redemption
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2022.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Preaching with the Sciences, homily outlines, outside resources, Catholic Theological Union, 2022.
  • "The Adventurous Lectionary," Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2022.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • Process & Faith, Bruce Epperly, 2019.
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2019.
  • "Identity of Resistance," Sermon Seeds, Kathryn M Matthews, UCC, 2019.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2019.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2019.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2019.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2019.
  • "A Winter's Story," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Easter 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Easter 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Acts 9:36-43
  • Psalm 23
  • Revelation 7:9-17
  • John 10:22-30
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2019.
  • "Tell Us Plainly," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2019.
  • Living by the Word, Lisa D. Jenkins, The Christian Century, 2019.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, 2019.
  • A Provocation, Richard Swanson, provokingthegospel, 2019.
  • "No One Will Snatch Them Out Of My Hand," Janet H Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2019.
  • "The King's Shepherd," Alastair Roberts, Political Theology, 2019.
  • "Just Tell Us Already!" Marshall A. Jolly, Modern Metanoia, 2019.
  • peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2019.
  • "Jesus in Winter," Lynn Miller, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
  • First Impressions, Andrew Prior, 2019.
  • "There's Someplace Like Home," Michael Ruffin, Connections: Next Sunday Resources, 2019.
  • Care for Creation Reflections, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2019.
  • Your Cliche of the Week, 2019.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2019.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2019.
  • A Plain Account, Wesleyan Commentary, 2019.
  • Radical Discipleship.Net, "The Wild Lectionary," curated by Laurel Dykstra.
  • Earthkeeper's Preaching, 2019.
  • Theology of Work, 2019.
  • Stewardship of Life, 2019.
  • Church Health Daily Devotions, Butch Odom, 2019.
  • "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2019. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
  • Homily Week, 2019.
  • At the Edge of the Enclosure, Suzanne Guthrie, 2019.
  • This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2019.
  • The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2019.
  • Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2019
  • "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2019.
  • "Crackers & Grape Juice," 2019.
  • Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2019
  • Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2019.
  • Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2019.
  • Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2019.
  • Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2019.
  • One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2019
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2019.
  • The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2019.
  • Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2019
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2019.
  • Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2019.
  • The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2019.
  • SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2019.
  • Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2019.
  • "The Electing Word," David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2016.
  • "Not Just about the Future," Eric Barreto, ON Scripture, includes discussion & video.
  • "Resurrection is Protection," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
  • "Heaven and Earth," Eric Smith, LECTIO, 2016.
  • "Belonging," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
  • "I Am because You Are," Jerrod McCormack, Modern Metanoia, 2016.
  • "The Voice," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • "To Be Known," Melissa Bane Sevier,Contemplative Viewfinder, 2016.
  • "Learning to Be Sheep," Brian Volck, Ekklesia Project, 2016.
  • "A Matter of Belonging," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
  • "The Politics of Hearing and Response," Political Theology Today, 2016.
  • "Raising Tabitha," Sermon Stories, 2016.
  • "Hearing the Shepherd's Voice," Robert Cornwall, 2016.
  • "Dorcas in (Not) So Many Words," Lynn Miller, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
  • Good Shepherd Sunday, Stan Duncan, If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home By Now, 2016.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2016.
  • peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2016.
  • "Will You Enter In?" Andrew Prior, 2016.
  • "Tell Us Plainly," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2016.
  • The Preacher's Study, Dennis Chriszt, The Associated Parishes for Liturgy anad Mission, 2016.
  • Homily Week, 2016.
  • "Why I Pray that April Tragedies Bring May Justice," Margaret Aymer, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2013.
  • "Following and Believing," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013. 2010.
  • "Hands Up, Hands Down," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
  • "The Living Power of the Resurrection," John C. Holbert, 2013.
  • "A Steward's Psalm for All Seasons and Reasons," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "The Adventurous Lectionary," Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2013.
  • "Peter the Apostle Meets Simon the Tanner," Easter 4, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013. 2010.
  • "The 23rd Psalm in an Age of Terror: A Pastoral Response to Boston," Timothy F. Simpson, Political Theology, 2013.
  • Good Shepherd Sunday, Stan Duncan, If You Lived Here You'd Be Home By Now, 2013.
  • "The Logic of Love from John10 and Acts 9," Joe Phelps, Political Theology, 2013.
  • "Suspense," Michael Coffey, 2013.
  • "Embracing the Power of Eternity," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2013.
  • "Dorcas' Fashion Show," Beth Scibienski, A Thousand Words of Inspiration, 2103.
  • "Our Shepherd's Voice," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
  • "On Being Shepherds and Sheep," Thomas Beam, 2013.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2013.
  • Suspense, Michael Coffey, 2013.
  • "My Sheep Hear My Voice," Bruce Maples, 2013.
  • "If You're Going to Love Jesus, Feed the Sheep," Bob Stulmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2013.
  • "The Hanukkah Shepherd," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • "The Call of the Slaughtered Shepherd," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
  • "May You Walk With Ease," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2010.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "My Sheep Hear My Voice," by Michael Renninger (2019).  A Sermon for Every Sunday.  Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.  Manuscript available!
  • Ministry Matters.
  • "Disaster," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2019.
  • "There Is Something About That Name," the Rev. Dr. Royeese Stowe, Day 1, 2010.
  • "Noticed, Named and Nurtured," The Rev. Elizabeth Mitchell Clement, Day 1, 2007.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Identity of Resistance," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2016.
  • Bible Study, Easter 4, 2013, Will Prosser, Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
  • Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
  • "Untamed Hospitality," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Hospitality," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007. (Psalm 23)
  • "To Hear the Voice of the Good Shepherd," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2007.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages. 
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. (Terms of Use)
  • Taking Worship Home, Breen Sipes, Tri-Saints Lutheran Parish, 2016.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Lives Full of 'God Stuff'!" Easter 4, 2016. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Easter 4, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2019.
  • "A Steward's Psalm for All Seasons and Reasons," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • "The Voice," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • Shepherd Liturgy for use on Easter 4, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Easter 4C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for Good Shepherd Sunday, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Easter 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lector's Notes, Easter 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 23, Easter 4C, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2013.
  • World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
  • Reflectiion on Collect for Easter 4, Bosco Peters, Liturgy, 2016.
  • Liturgy Link, 2019.
  • re: Worship, 2019.
  • Point of Contact - Where Life and Worship Intersect, Julie Gvillo, Call to Worship is published on Tuesday mornings. The Confession piece is published on Wednesday mornings. And the Prayers of the People is published on Friday mornings.
  • Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers, 2019.
  • Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2019
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Easter 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Easter 4C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 10:27-30, John 10:27-30 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Lives Full of 'God Stuff'!" Easter 4, 2016. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Revelation: After This I Looked, Tabitha's Gift, lectionary clips at youtube by David J.M. Coleman.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Zacchaeus Was a Tax Man," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, AURELIA 7.6.7.6.D. Bread for the World "Tax Day".
    • O Jesus, You Were Born to Be, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, TRURO LM 8.8.8.8 (Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates)
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Easter 4C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "The Lord Is My Shepherd," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 23 set to Darwall's 148th (66.66.88) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Easter 4, 2019, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2013.
    • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Music Resources (hymn suggestions) for Earth Day, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Easter 4.
    • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
    • The Billabong, Easter 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Easter 4C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
    • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. (Terms of Use)
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
    • Together to Celebrate, Easter 4, 2019, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Worshiping with Children, Easter 4C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2016.
  • Storypath, Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2019.
  • "Giggling with God," On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2013.
  • Dollar Store Children's Sermons, John Stevens, 2019.
  • "The Voice," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • '"Unbelievable," Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2016.
  • "A Steward's Psalm for All Seasons and Reasons," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "Coin Paddle - Magic Trick," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. (Terms of Use)
  • "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • Ministry Matters.
    
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Weekly Household Devotion, Faith Formation Journeys, 2019.
  • Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
  • Lectionary Puzzles. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.